The Spirit of Community Celebration shared the struggles, resiliency and individual and collective efforts that encapsulate the work of United Way Perth-Huron.
Special guests on Thursday provided insight into finding help navigating through challenges thanks to organizations affiliated and funded through the local United Way.
Among them was Tatiana Kalinovska.
Kalinovska’s story was one of family heartbreak, escaping war-torn Ukraine, and trying to find a sense of normalcy. Ultimately she found help at Optimism Place, the county’s women’s shelter, and eventually was handed keys to her own residence in Stratford.
Kalinovska said she is grateful and mindful that all of the services, and people, that ultimately helped her, are supported by United Way.
“I have a new beginning, a second beginning in this community.”
It was also a celebration of a big financial achievement.
Campaign co-chairs John Wolfe and Kristin Sainsbury announced just over $2.36 million was raised during the annual campaign, plus funding of just over $542,000 for United Housing, resulting in a record-setting total of $2.89 million.
The goal was $2.62 million.
The co-chairs thanked volunteers for their hard work and individuals and businesses that contributed to fundraising.
FIO Automotive was the top workplace fundraiser with $192,194.
Community spirit award winners were also celebrated, including recipient April Selkirk.
The Grade 11 student at Goderich District Collegiate Institute is a leader with the community’s Coldest Night of the Year committee.
Several members of the Goderich community spent 12 hours living on the streets to further educate themselves about the struggles of homelessness, including Mayor Trevor Bazinet.
Bazinet encouraged guests not to be judgmental about personal struggles they see in their communities, instead urging them to, “open the book”.
Ryan Erb, United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director, said people continue to live through difficult situations, escalated by factors including tariffs and economic uncertainty.
He said the community must continue to work together for all its residents.
